The Assembly Governmental Organization Committee convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 766, which mandates state agencies to conduct equity analyses prior to implementing regulations or budget requests. This bill builds upon a 2022 executive order from the governor that required similar equity reviews across state departments.

The bill emphasizes the role of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) coordinators in ensuring that these analyses are performed. In the absence of a designated DEIA officer, individuals with comparable qualifications will be permitted to fulfill this role. Proponents argue that this legislation is crucial in countering national trends that undermine DEIA initiatives, asserting that such programs extend beyond race to encompass gender, disability, socioeconomic status, and more.

During the meeting, supporters highlighted the importance of DEIA in addressing systemic barriers and ensuring equitable treatment across various communities. Testimonies from professionals in education and healthcare underscored the necessity of embedding DEIA principles into public institutions to foster inclusivity and improve outcomes for underrepresented groups.

Darice Lucien, a nursing instructor, shared her experiences regarding the challenges faced by students of color in nursing programs, emphasizing that AB 766 would provide essential tools to create a more equitable educational environment. Franklin Garrett, dean of student support services at San Diego College of Continuing Education, echoed these sentiments, advocating for the bill as a means to operationalize equity in decision-making processes.

The committee established a quorum and opened the floor for public support and opposition. No opposition was noted, and the discussion concluded with an invitation for committee members to pose questions or express concerns regarding the bill.

Overall, the meeting highlighted a strong commitment to advancing equity within California's public institutions through the proposed legislation, with advocates urging swift passage to solidify DEIA as a foundational element of state governance.